Sunday 28 March 2010

Lyme - 28 March 2010

8 Volunteers turned out for what is likely to be our last visit to Lyme for the moment.

We returned to a site in Lantern wood where have worked in the past - it was originally completely over run with Rhododendron ponticum - which we cleared some years ago. Some of the trees we planted after the initial work have done well - others had succumbed to damage from deer or had been out competed by birch.

We spent most of the day pulling up birch (and cutting it down where it was too big to pull) - to give the oak, ash, and Scots pine saplings a chance. Some of the gaps were filled with new planting.

We finished the day by clearing a small patch of Rhododendron.

The weather was good - with plenty of sunshine in the afternoon - while the woodland sheltered us from the strong breeze.

Monday 22 March 2010

"Hayfield" 21 March 2010

Ten of our volunteers turned out and met up with local National Trust staff in Hayfield. We took needed three vehicles to carry everyone (including four dogs!) nearer to "Park Moor" and spent the day cutting and burning Rhododendron as part of a long term project to reclaim this site for native species.

The weather yesterday more than made up for the snow that made us cancel two trips to this beautiful area earlier in the year. After a slightly misty start the sun came through and stayed with us almost until the end. Good timing as we had had a large fire and the moor was still comparatively dry even after the dampness of Saturday. It was tempting to just lie in the sun after lunch but we did get up and get on. Progress is being made, some of individuals can remember when the R. was thick scrub completely enclosing the path. Some areas are now free of this weed, some has been cut but not killed, and some has yet to be done.......

Sunday 14 March 2010

Mothers’ Day at Biddulph Grange Garden

I was hiding behind the carmera - thanks to Daniel for the text
Five of us, but no mums (!), spent today at Biddulph Grange Garden near Congleton planting oak, hazel, rose and viburnum whips in the two areas of woodland either side of Wellingtonia Avenue. Overcast skies in the morning gave way to sunshine in the afternoon and it was lovely to feel the warm spring sunshine on your face. A cold wind blew for most of the day so we sheltered in the Cheshire Cottage for lunch. Peter, the head gardener, was very pleased with our efforts.


The cold winter has delayed growth in the garden by more than a month. The snowdrops didn’t come through until February (they usually appear in January) and the gardeners won’t start mowing the lawns until next week (last year they mowed them in January!).

Sunday 7 March 2010

Thurstaston 28 Feb 2010


10 volunteers turned out and joined the Chester group on Thurstaston Common and spent the day on birch control. At this time it is not possible to graze large areas of this common and as a result there is a tendancy for the site to revert to woodland. As the heathland is a more valuable habitat for wildlife considerable effot has to go into keeping the area open

Tuesday 2 March 2010

Rusholme 2 March 2010



A good crowd of us ventured out to Rusholme, which proved quite nostalgic for some of the group. Even on a Tuesday night, the Curry Mile was buzzing and we had to scour the streets for somewhere to park that wouldn't attract unwanted attention from the many traffic wardens that patrolled the area. Having made some enquiries, the Punjab Tandoori seemed to be a favourite of many and had some rave reviews. The food was indeed made from fresh ingredients and had a interesting combination of flavours. I guess that the majority of the clientele being Asian is an indication of its authenticity? The Handi curry I chose was delicious, but would have been better with less salt, as I had to drink loads when I got home (I was a driver so cobra was off-limits).